Ukrainian forces down Russia's most expensive drone, Merlin-VR (video)
Photo: The Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a Russian Merlin VR UAV (wikimedia.org)
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have shot down a Russian Merlin-VR reconnaissance UAV on the Lyman front. This is the most expensive Russian drone, the Khortytsia Operational-Strategic Group of Ukrainian Armed Forces reports.
In particular, on the Lyman axis, Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners of the 63rd Brigade and artillerymen of the 45th Separate Artillery Brigade destroyed the enemy drone.
With the efforts of a mechanized brigade and an artillery unit, they not only reached the site first but also captured rare footage of the destruction of the Russian drone.
Merlin-VR
The Merlin-VR is one of the most expensive and effective Russian drones, with a cost exceeding 300 thousand dollars. This experimental reconnaissance drone can reach an altitude of up to 5 km, stay in the air for up to 10 hours, and fly distances of up to 600 km.
However, it was not meant to complete its mission: Ukrainian forces intercepted it at altitude, destroying it with precise strikes.
Frontline situation
The frontline situation remained highly intense during the last day.
A total of 159 combat clashes were recorded across the entire front line. Russian forces continue active assault operations, heavily using aviation, artillery, drones, and other means of destruction.
In addition, over the past day, Russian losses amounted to 1,290 military personnel.
Ukrainian troops also eliminated five tanks, 14 armored fighting vehicles, 43 artillery systems, three multiple rocket launchers, two air defense systems, 43 operational-tactical UAVs, 107 military vehicles, and two units of special equipment belonging to the invaders.
